Farmers in Murang'a County, Kenya, are facing significant losses due to the theft of avocados from their farms, particularly in Maragua, Kandara, and Gatanga regions. The Murang'a County Avocado Cooperative Union, led by John Mwaniki, reports that illicit merchants are purchasing these stolen goods at minimal prices, only to sell them for a profit to exporters and processors.
The rampant theft is seen as a deterrent to investment in avocado farming. Despite over 14 arrests made by the police in Kandara, the issue persists. Farmers, including Michael Kariuki, whose farm in Mitumbiri was targeted, are calling for increased police protection. Additionally, measures to prevent processors from accepting produce at night have been suggested as a way to curb these thefts. The situation is described as a threat to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, necessitating a collaborative effort to rectify the value chain and safeguard investments.
Source: standardmedia.co.ke